Bullying Laws in Mississippi

In the policy and anti Bullying Laws in Mississippi, it is often referred to “bullying” and “harassing behavior” when tackling the bullying issues. The model policy is available in Mississippi Department of Education.

Key Points in the Bullying Laws in Mississippi:

Definition of term

“Bullying” or “harassing behavior” as:

any pattern of gestures or written, electronic or verbal communications

any physical act or any threatening communication

any act reasonably perceived as being motivated by any actual or perceived differentiating characteristic, that takes place on school property, at any school-sponsored function, or on a school bus

Places a student or school employee in actual and reasonable fear of harm to his or her person or damage to his or her property

Creates or is certain to create a hostile environment by substantially interfering with or impairing a student’s educational performance, opportunities or benefits

Prohibition of bullying

Immunity for people who reported a bullying incident

Personnel and discipline policies and code of student conduct to include prohibition against bullying or harassing behavior

Under this section, school districts shall include in their respective personnel policies, discipline policies and code of student conduct a prohibition against bullying or harassing behavior and adopt procedures for reporting, investigating and addressing such behavior. The policies must recognize the fundamental right of every student to take reasonable actions as may be necessary to defend himself or herself from an attack by another student who has evidenced menacing or threatening behavior through bullying or harassing.

Healthy Workplace Bill in Mississippi

While Mississippi is active in its drive to clear the state against school bullying incidents, it still has a long way to go in battling the problem when it comes to employment. The Healthy Workplace Bill has not yet introduced. So far, 2 signatures were present. 98 more signatures are needed to pass the bill to Mississippi State Legislators.